Hurricane season brings the threat of storm surges, heavy rain, and high winds. If your home sustains damage, it is important to act fast and get the recovery process underway as soon as possible.
That’s why we put together this guide. We’ve already helped you get ready for hurricane season, and now this quick list of the 5 most important steps you need to take after your home sustains hurricane damage will help you deal with the inevitable storm when it comes.
Assess The Safety Of Your Home
Before you do anything else, be sure that your family is safe and well-protected. Before exiting your home, check to make sure the surrounding property is safe. Look for downed power lines, debris, flooding, or other hazards.
Check your home thoroughly and make sure the structure is stable and secure. Turn off any natural gas, water, or electricity if these utility lines have been compromised. Have a professional inspect the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems before you turn them back on.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you are sure your family is safe, it’s time to call your insurance company to report the damage and file a claim. Provide them with details about the impacted areas (roof, windows, flooring, etc.).
Be sure to take pictures and videos of the damage. The more information you can provide your insurance company, the better. If you need quick, temporary repairs or materials, be sure to save the receipts!
Also, be sure to ask your insurance representative about the proper procedure for reporting insurance claims and get their best estimate about the timeline of the process. That will ensure that you have everything they need when they need it.
Mitigate Water Damage
If there are signs of water damage from rain or flooding, act quickly to prevent mold growth. Run dehumidifiers and fans to dry out wet places.
Pull up soaked carpets and padding and evaluate if drywall or installation needs to be replaced. The faster you remove moisture from the equation, the less damage there will be.
Prevent Further Damage
Secure your home from additional damage that could be caused by sun, rain, and wind entering open areas. Remove debris that could cause gutters or drains to clog. Trim overhanging branches that might now pose a falling hazard.
Find A Reputable Contractor
Contact trusted contractors experienced in the type of work you need. You want to try to find a contractor that has been through a few hurricane seasons and understands the unique challenges that arise during repair from these severe storms.
Confirm that your contractors have the proper licensing and insurance to conduct the work you need.
One additional thing to keep in mind is how your contractor handles their work and their clients under stressful circumstances. The clean-up period after a hurricane is hard for everyone, and it can easily overwhelm some contractors. Look for a contractor with an experienced team, including an office staff that knows how to manage multiple projects effectively.
Recovering Takes Time
Recovering from hurricane destruction takes time and coordination. With these key response steps, you can restore your home’s safety and stability as quickly as possible.
At Perry Roofing Contractors, we know the importance of protecting your home. We’ve been helping communities in North Central Florida recover from hurricanes since 1976. We want to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
If hurricane damage strikes your roof, give us a call to schedule an inspection!